Jacques-Imo's Cafe Restaurant Review

: Chef-owner Jack Leonardi's cooking gives Jacques-Imo's menu a split personality: half of the dishes are authentic Creole while the other half are creative takes on the cuisine. The flavors aren't often squeaky clean, but you won't find more ambitious food executed with such aplomb. Moist and spicy, the fried chicken and fried oysters are safe bets. A deep-fried roast beef po' boy is considered an appetizer, and culinary adrenalin junkies will try the scallops in jalapeño-pear sauce and the smothered rabbit. Elegant Cajun bouillabaisse should please more refined tastes. Do not ask for wine lists, fancy desserts or specials. Do be prepared for ambient chaos, uncomfortably close quarters and inconsistent service, but for some reason none of that will matter. Where else can you order alligator cheesecake with a straight face and end up really liking it?